Whenever our family takes a road trip we have a tradition of having a goodie bag in the car full of surprises. With three children, the echo of “Are we there yet?” never ceases.
To add a little fun to the car trip, approximately every couple of hours we play a game. The children have to work together during the game, then everyone wins a prize from the goodie bag.
The prize might be snacks, candy, or dollar store toys. The kids think it is the greatest thing ever! They have so much anticipation for the next game. We have even stopped at rest stops and had treasure hunts for their prizes. Their excitement builds, and so does mine.
As soon as we finish one game, I am already counting down to the next one in my mind. Thinking of the best way to make it meaningful and exciting! I love to see the teamwork during the game and the joy in their eyes when they receive a gift.
I have planned out the games based on the lessons I want them to learn and have decided the reward they will receive for completing it. I prepared these moments long before they got into the car. They don’t know exactly what is in store for them; they just trust that there is something good ahead for them during our travels.
Watching the anticipation of my kids reminds me of Hebrews 11:1 which says,
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
In this passage, the writer of Hebrews is encouraging us to persevere in our faith. To believe for the things that we can’t see, to have confidence that when we can’t see, God can.
What if we looked at life the way my kids look at road trips? What would happen if we had that type of anticipation for the plans that God has for our lives? Sometimes, I get into the “Are we there yet” cycle. I wonder if you can relate?
I want some direction, some clue to what lies ahead. I want to get to the destination as soon as possible with no setbacks or uncertainty. I think of the excitement that I have holding that bag of goodies for my kids, is how God feels when He sees us and knows what He has planned for us.
We can’t see in the bag. We can’t determine the miles on the road.
However, God already has a plan and knows the road ahead. Sure we will face detours, roadblocks, traffic, potholes, and even flat tires. Those things take us by surprise, but they are no surprise to God. He knows the challenges, lessons, and rewards that are waiting for us.
As we are about to head into 2019, I am reflecting back on 2018 and celebrating all that God has done in my life and in the lives of those I love. I am choosing to embrace the New Year with anticipation, trust, and a reclaimed faith. God has a plan for your life, for my life, and for those we love.
God is bigger than our uncertainties, hurts, and fears. We don’t know exactly what is in store for us in the New Year. One thing is certain; there is an exciting journey ahead!
I want to be like my kids, excited and confident that there are good things coming, even when I can’t yet see them.
Come on Reclaimers!
Let’s begin 2019 filled with faith and anticipation; it is going to be a great adventure!
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